The industry standard for a solar panel\u2019s productive lifetime is 25-30 years. However, a solar panel
won\u2019t die after 25-30 years, rather, their output will decrease a significant amount below what the
manufacturer projected. It\u2019s hard to understand the upfront cost of going solar without knowing how
long you can expect your rooftop panels to produce ample energy. Your solar panels will be able to
offset your electricity use for decades, but it is also important to understand industry projections
and degradation rates.
What is the life expectancy of a solar panel?
As a general rule, the average lifespan for solar panels is about 25-30 years. However, this doesn\u2019t
mean that they stop producing electricity after 25 years \u2013 it just means that energy production has
declined by what manufacturers consider to be a significant amount.
Their life expectancy, however, will be much longer. Solar panels will continue to work for many
decades, given they aren\u2019t physically damaged by wind, debris, or any other external factors. This
is primarily because solar panels don\u2019t have any moving parts \u2013 they rarely break from within and
are usually only damaged by outside forces like a poor racking setup or inclement weather.
Can you make your solar panels last longer?
In general, solar panels are extremely durable. Most manufacturers test their panels to confirm that
they can withstand high winds and heavy snow loads, and many solar panels are specifically
tested to ensure that they can withstand falling hail. Additionally, solar energy systems don\u2019t usually
have moving parts, and they require little to no maintenance.
The best way to keep your solar panels working long-term is to work with a reputable installer that
offers solid customer service. It\u2019s also important to purchase solar panels that have robust
warranties \u2013 many panel manufacturers offer 10 to 12-year equipment warranties for their panels
that cover defects and environmental damages, as well as production warranties usually lasting
around 25 years that guarantee your panels will produce above a certain amount of energy for your
home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The industry standard for a solar panel\u2019s productive lifetime is 25-30 years. However, a solar panelwon\u2019t die after 25-30 years, rather, their output will decrease a significant amount below what themanufacturer projected. It\u2019s hard to understand the upfront cost of going solar without knowing howlong you can expect your rooftop panels to produce ample energy. …<\/p>\n